Programs across Canada to put a spring into your March break

Spring Break is just around the corner. A time to relax, recharge the batteries, and unwind. But when that unwinding has become unwound, a field trip may be just what the doctor ordered! With so many activities in communities across Canada, you’re sure to find one, or many, on the Active for Life list that will keep you and your kids entertained and having fun!

Venue:Mackin HouseInfo: At this heritage Edwardian house, kids are brought back in time to British Columbia in 1909. Artifacts are available for viewing and some are allowed to be handled. Special events for kids aged 4 to 12 this March Break include learning about native birds and the building of a birdhouse on March 20th. On March 22nd, kids can make ropes and weave mats. Registration is required.Hours: March Break special events run from 1 until 3 p.m. and the house is open for all visitors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.Costs: Entrance is by donation (cash only). Birdhouse and Mat Weaving fees: $10/child.

Venue:Granville IslandInfo: There’s something for everyone in the family on Granville Island! Shop for yummy treats at the public market, get crafty at one of the many studios, check out one of the daily performances of The Velveteen Rabbit at the Carousel Theatre, or play for hours at the indoor and outdoor play areas. The Kids Market has a four-level (!!) play area as well as “Circuit Circus”, an old-fashioned arcade.Hours: The Public Market is open daily from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the Kids Market is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.Costs: Entrance to the Market is free, tickets to the Velveteen Rabbit: $35 for adults, $18 for kids.

Alberta

Calgary

Venue:Calgary ZooInfo: Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Add to these a plethora of other creatures including penguins, meerkats, hippos, snakes, gorillas, butterflies, etc, etc. and kids of all ages (including parents!) will have a great day at the zoo’s many indoor and outdoor venues. Multiple playgrounds can also be found around the zoo for jumping, climbing, and swinging adventures. Visit for the day, or register your kids from grades 1 to 6 in Zoo Camp.Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Camps run from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. with extended hours available.Costs: Adults: $24.95, kids 3-15, $16.95, kids 2 and under are free. Camp fees: $285/child.

Venue:Telus SparkInfo: An amazing science museum where kids can exercise their minds and bodies through play and interactive exhibits on a wide range of subjects. Plan a one-day visit or register for one of the museum’s themed camps. Kids can learn about their environment, study sea life, and mix up slimy and fizzy experiments! (Who doesn’t love sliminess?)Hours: Sunday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Costs: Day visits: Adults $26, Children 3-12, $19. Camp fees are $228 for the four-day spring break (March 26-29th) and $285 for the five-day break (April 2nd-6th)

Venue:Bow Habitat StationInfo: Ever wonder how a fish breathes underwater? This and so many other questions about flora, fauna, and fish are addressed at the Discovery Galleries through hands-on exhibits.Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Closed on Sundays and Mondays.Costs: Adults: $10, Children: $6, Family Rate: up to 2 adults and 4 children: $30

Edmonton

Venue: Art Gallery of AlbertaInfo: There are so many exhibits that will engage and educate your kids at the gallery! If we were to pick one, we’d send your kids to the Wild Wood where kids learn about the wonders of nature through crafts, stories, and multiple hands-on exhibits. A “Green Guardians” day camp is also available for kids aged 6 to 12 to learn about various methods of reusing, recycling, and repurposing to make their own green environment.Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Costs: One-day visits: Adults: $12.50 (+GST), Kids 12 and under are free with one accompanying adult. Camp (March 26-29th): $280

Venue: Edmonton Public LibrariesInfo: For kids up to age 12, check out different branches for different activities each day. Puppet Adventures, Build-A-Story, Digital Scavenger Hunts, LEGO workshops, music programs, etc, etc. – there’s something for everyone!Hours: Vary by branch.Costs: Free.

Venue:Ed’s Bowling at the West Edmonton MallInfo: Lace up those sweet shoes and bring the whole family to bowl! What a fun way to spend an afternoon. Smiles are almost always guaranteed!Hours: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.Costs: Rates vary depending on day and time of day. Check the website for more details.

Venue:Wascana CentreInfo: Wascana is the place to be for skating, tobogganing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and cleared trails for a walk or run around the lake. The public skating surface has a heated change facility, washrooms, and overhead lighting.Hours: The skating venue is open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.Costs: Free.

Saskatoon

Venue:Western Development MuseumInfo: Learn about Saskatoon’s past through exhibits about so many topics including wind power, farm machinery, a recreation of a typical Saskatchewan town from 1910, insects, flowers, food, and so much more!Hours: 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. dailyCosts: Adults, $10, Children 6-12, $4, Children 5 and under are free.

Venue:Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & ZooInfo: Spend the day cavorting with capuchin monkeys, cougars, and bearded dragons! Take a break from the animals at the nature-themed playground.Hours: Until April 30th, the zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Costs: Adults, $12.50, Children 6-18, $7.50, Children under 5 are free.

Manitoba

Winnipeg

Venue:Manitoba Children’s MuseumInfo: With exhibits with names such as “Tumble Zone,” “Mellow Marsh,” “Engine Zone,” and “Illusion Tunnel” (amongst many more), who wouldn’t want to spend a day at this awesome spot? Go for the day with your family or register for camp. From March 26-29th, campers will create, discover, and learn, as they explore with daily themed activities.Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Camp hours: 9:25 a.m. – 4 p.m. (extended hours available at no cost)Costs: General admission for those from 1 to 101, $11, Camp fees: $140

Venue:The Assiniboine ZooInfo: The zoo is home to many animals including snow leopards, meerkats, red pandas, frogs, snakes, etc., but the popular residents this year are two orphaned polar cubs that were brought to the zoo in early December. After an online contest to name them, the zoo recently announced their names: Baffin and Willow. Visit them along with 11 other polar bears!Hours: Starting March 14th, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.Costs: Adults, $20.50, Kids -12, $11.25, Kids under 3 are free.

Ontario

Ottawa

Venue:Canadian Museum of NatureInfo: Among its many amazing exhibits, kids can take a walk amid butterflies, examine fascinating fossils, go nose to nose with beetles, tarantulas, cockroaches, and many other creepy crawly creatures!Hours: Closed on Mondays, Open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. except on Thursdays when the museum stays open until 8 p.m.Costs: Adults, $14, Kids 3-12, $10, Kids 2 and under are free.

Venue:Stagecraft Children’s Theatre SchoolInfo: Do you have a budding Broadway star at home? Kids from SK to grade 12 will dance, act, and sing their way through the spring break and perform for family and friends on their final day of camp.Hours: Camp runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with extended care available.Costs: Contact theatre for costs.

Venue:Wheeler’s Pancake House, Sugar Camp & MuseumInfo: Maple syrup! The yummiest product that Canada has to offer! Bring your kids for the day and learn how it is made, hop on a sleigh ride, let loose in the farm’s playground, take a scenic walk along the nature trails, and of course, save time for tasting!Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.Costs: Free admission, pancakes and syrup prices vary.

Timmins

Venue:Porcupine Ski RunnersInfo: Come out and enjoy the amazing cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails. Maybe you’ll come across some of the local lynx, moose, weasels, snow hares, partridges, or snowy owls!Hours: Trails are open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.Costs: Vary by activity and pieces rented.

Toronto

Venue:Ontario Science CentreInfo: The OSC has Canada’s largest and greatest array of interactive exhibits as well as the super-fun Kidspark, a learn-through-play space for kids 8 and under. Among the many activities, kids can make bubbles big enough to hold their parents, build their own roller coaster, or rock out in a music studio. Don’t be surprised when an entire day passes in the blink of an eye! Cool camps for kids 5 to 12 also run for the week.Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday and Holidays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Camp hours: 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with extended hours available.Costs: Admission: Adults, $22, Kids $13. Camp: $345.

Venue:Black Creek Pioneer VillageInfo: Take your kids back to Ontario of 1867 and show them a world before cars, electricity, and (eeek!!), social media! This break, the village has special activities that range from kids becoming junior detectives and solving mysteries, to the making of maple syrup.Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.Costs: Four kids 14 and under visit for free all week long with the purchase of one adult or senior ticket ($15/$12)

Venue:Young People’s TheatreInfo: On stage until March 17th, the classic and beloved The Secret Garden will delight kids from grades 1 to 7. The play centres around Mary Lennox who has been sent from India to England to live with her uncle at his gloomy manor. Discovering a hidden garden, Mary finds refuge and secrets!Hours: Show times vary, check the YPT website.Costs: Tickets range from $10 to $41 for adults, and from $10 to $36 for children.

Quebec

Montreal

Venue:Glissade des Pays d’en HautInfo: Come for a day of thrilling outdoor adventures including snow tubing, snow rafting, and the very popular tornade (picture a spinning tea cup on snow!). There are slopes for tubing for beginners and up.Hours: March 4-8th, 2018: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., March 9 and 10, 2018: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., March 11 2018: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Costs: Vary depending on activity and age.

Venue: The Redpath MuseumInfo: The museum of natural history belongs to McGill University and is located on the university’s campus. With a vast array of mummies, dinosaurs, creatures from the deep, and so much more, kids of all ages will love to explore and discover!Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays (September through May), 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Saturdays.Costs: Free to the general public, donations are always welcome.

Venue:Atrium le 100Info: This unique indoor skating rink invites you to lace up your skates and glide to the lively beat of music. With the sun rays shining through the immense glass dome above, the Atrium Le 1000 is located in Montreal’s, and the province of Quebec’s, tallest building!Hours: Vary for general skate times and skate times for families only.Costs: Adults, $7.50, kids, $5. Rentals include skates: $7 and helmets, $1

Quebec City

Venue:Village NordikInfo: Experience the great outdoors while ice fishing in an inflatable igloo or brave the elements and fish outdoors on the frozen waters of Louise Basin in the Old Port of Quebec City. You can even choose to have your own fish cooked and served with a variety of menu items at the Old Port Market.Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.Costs: Fees vary depending on package chosen. Check the website for details.

Venue:Quebec AquariumInfo: Experience a myriad of exciting activities including inflatable games, snow tubing, a sugar shack, and entertaining activities featuring walruses, seals, polar bears, and the underwater world. You’ll also want to meet the 10,000 marine animals inhabiting this environment. Every evening during March Break, enjoy the magical Festi Lumiere.Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.. The Festi Lumiere is scheduled every evening during the Break from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.Costs: Adults, $19, Children 3 to 17, $9.50, Children under 3 are free. Family rates: 1 adult plus children from the same family, $38, 2 adults plus children from the same family, $57.

Venue:Musee de la CivilisationInfo: The museum has so many great activities including numerous exhibits, and the Once Upon a Time costume workshop. There’s also an amazing playspace that kids will love! This March check out the special exhibits Secrets Uncovered, and Mad About Brains!Hours: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.Costs: Adults 31+: $16, 18 to 30: $10, 12 to 17: $5, Children 11 and under are free. Family of 2 adults and 3 children from 12 to 17, $36.

New Brunswick

Edmundston

Venue:Mont FarlagneInfo: Experience the beauty of Mont Farlagne while snow tubing, skiing, snowshoeing, and riding the fat bike trails. Take on an ice wall (imagine a slippery rock wall) with the help of an instructor.Hours: March 2nd, 3rd, 5-10th, 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., March 4th and 11th, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Closed March 12th and 13th.Costs: Vary depending on activity.

Fredericton

Venue:Kingswood ResortInfo: There’s something for everyone at the Kingswood including laser tag, bowling, arcade games, inflatables, air hockey, basketball, preschool play place, and a food court so you don’t even have to think about packing lunches!Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.Costs: Vary depending on activity.

Venue:Clay CafeInfo: Clay Cafe is a “paint-your-own pottery” studio designed for all age groups – choose from cups, bowls, figurines, vases, etc. With over 300 kinds of pottery to paint, everyone will find something to love!Hours: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.Costs: Costs vary by piece chosen but according to the Clay Cafe staff, most people spend on average between $10-25 on a piece.

Nova Scotia

Halifax

Venue:Discovery CentreInfo: From toddlers to kids of all ages, the Discovery Centre provides immersive play and hands-on activities to learn about a range of topics including aircrafts, animals, buildings, etc.Hours: Open daily 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with extended hours on Wednesday until 8 p.m.Costs: Adults, $12 (plus HST), Kids 3 and over, $10 (plus HST), Family of 2 adults and 2 children, $40

Venue:Ross FarmInfo: Come out for March Break on the farm. Each day will have a theme relating to the farm. There will be lots of hands-on activities for everyone to enjoy. Hot chocolate will be served and weather permitting, there will be sleigh rides.
Saturday 10th – Tasty Treats
Sunday 11th – Traditional Skills
Monday 12th – Spring Time on the Farm
Tuesday 13th – For the Birds
Wednesday 14th – Explore the Outdoors
Thursday 15th – Tasty Treats
Friday 16th – Fun on the Farm
Saturday 17th ~ St Patrick’s DayHours: 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.Costs: Adults, $8, Children $3, Kids under 5 are free, Family rate (maximum 2 adults), $20.

Venue:Museum of Natural HistoryInfo: Explore the wonders of Nova Scotia at the Museum of Natural History. See glittering gold, stunning Mi’kmaq artifacts, sea creatures, frogs, snakes, and a whale skeleton. Interact with the Netukulimk exhibit and learn the sights and sounds of Nova Scotia’s forests, or go to the Moon and Mars with Science on a Sphere. Meet and interact with live animals (including Gus the Gopher Tortoise who has been with the Museum for more than 70 years (!!)).Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.Costs: Adults, $6.30, Children, $4.05, Family Package A – $17.95 (2 adults and children under 17)
Family Package B – $12.50 (1 adults and children under 17)

PEI

Charlottetown

Venue:Off the Wallz Trampoline ParkInfo: With a soft play area for those under 4 feet, and a trampoline park for those over, Off the Wallz is the perfect place to bring your kids to jump off that cabin fever energy!Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30 .am. until 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.Costs: Soft Play Area, $14, Trampoline Park, $17. Each jumper is also required to purchase a pair of Off The Wallz Grip Socks for $3.00 to wear while in all park areas. All prices include HST.

Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John’s

Venue: Bowring ParkInfo: As Spring Break in Newfoundland and Labrador is in April, take advantage of the fresh spring air and make a visit to Bowring Park. With a fully-accessible playground, a pond with ducks and geese, and a statue of Peter Pan to bring out the child in everyone, Bowring Park is a wonderful spot to pass a day (or more).Hours: Open 24 hours.Cost: Free

Venue:Railway Coastal MuseumInfo: Check out the “Kids’ Corner” featuring various scavenger hunts, word searches and crosswords for kids to complete as they walk around the museum and learn about the Newfoundland Railway and Coastal Boat Services. A fun model train exhibit also features two train play tables for your train enthusiast to enjoy, and a small library of books to read between play and exploring our exhibits.Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Costs: Adults, $7 (plus tax), Kids 5 to 17, $5 (plus tax), Kids 4 and under are free, Family pass for 2 adults and 3 kids, $20 (plus tax)

Active for Life is the place where parents go to learn about activities for kids. Physical education leads to physical literacy, which is critical for child development. Physical literacy also gives active kids the best chance to someday compete in high-performance sport. Kids activities are organized here by age and gender, so parents can find fun and engaging ways of making sure their children get the recommended daily amount of physical activity. Activities for toddlers are aimed at the development of fundamental movement skills, while activities for children build on the fundamentals to establish more complex sport skills that can be used to play any number of sports and activities. Exercises for kids enhance their physical development. In the early stages of child growth, early childhood development is dependent on appropriate exercises for children. Because kids play is good for kids health.